If Britney Spears wants lessons in how to get it right as she embarks this month on her own comeback, she might start by studying the career trajectory of Ms Carey. Record-breaking success in the 1990s led to a contract with EMI worth a reported $80m, but the Long Island-born singer seemed to suffer a breakdown shortly afterwards. How else, after all, to explain the turkey that was Glitter, her semi-autobiographical film and accompanying album? EMI bought out her contract and critics and fans steered clear. Charmbracelet, which followed, plumbed even greater depths. Then out of the blue cameThe Emancipation of Mimi, a startling return to form featuring a slew of stellar collaborations. Suddenly Mariah looked the picture of health and happiness, as you might too if you'd made the bestselling album of the year in America. A new record is now imminent and while Pete Doherty, the Police, Led Zep and more embark on the comeback trail, 'Mimi' is sitting pretty.

2. Elvis Presley

Back in the UK charts this month - even Lazarus would be impressed - following his world exclusive interview in OMM47. But then the King has form in this area: witness his '68 comeback when, dressed in leathers, he became the Pelvis again.

3. Tina Turner

In the Sixties, Anna Mae Bullock enjoyed a string of hits with husband Ike Turner (and changed her name) , but her marriage and career suffered the following decade. It took Private Dancer and the third Mad Max film for us to learn to love that voice again.

4. Sonny Rollins

By 1959, the ex-con had made several pioneering LPs, but then took the first of his celebrated 'sabbaticals', returning three years later with his classic The Bridge (after practising on New York's Williamsburg Bridge to spare a pregnant neighbour his din).

5. Elton John

Time was when no one was less cool than Elt. Then he started duetting with Eminem and Pete Doherty, hanging with Rufus Wainwright and giving the Scissor Sisters his house keys. Rumour is he'll even feature on the Dr Dre comeback LP. Yawn.

6. Loretta Lynn

The country star was in her forties when a film was made about her life (see page 56). But by 2004 hopes were higher for her cookbook, You're Cookin' It Country, than for her new album, Van Lear Rose. Produced by Jack White, it only went and won a Grammy.

7. Frank Sinatra

The 'Bobby Soxers' loved him, but by the early 1950s, the New Jersey singer's career was in the doldrums and his label dropped him. Then came an Oscar, a new contract with Capitol, albums like Songs For Swingin' Lovers, and endless 'comebacks'.

8. Mississippi John Hurt

The bluesman recorded two sessions for Okeh Records in 1928. Then the label went bankrupt in the Depression and he went back to work as a sharecropper. Shit happens. Fast-forward 35 years and he is rediscovered, starring at the Newport Folk Festival.

9. Vashti Bunyan

Her 1970 album Just Another Diamond Day was assumed to be the last word from the ethereal folk singer. But then the LP was reissued in 2000 and Vashti reappeared, not only recording a new album but contributing the music to a T-Mobile TV advert.

10. Meat Loaf

Everyone loved Bat Out of Hell. Fat bloke busting a gut over cod-Wagnerian rock anthems: what's not to like? Then 16 years in pop purgatory when he was reduced to playing pubs and clubs. How to put his career back on track? Make Bat Out of Hell II.